SECRET UK EYES A
LOCSEN
HELICOPTER SUPPORT
25. Wessex Force Level
-
-
Constraint. CDS 7/87 envisaged
in 1989 ·
-
by the addition of 2
the HKGFSD expanding
Aerospatiale Dauphin or similar helicopters. Given the availability of these aircraft, it was planned to reduce the Wessex Aircraft Establishment (AE) from 8 to 6 aircraft in that year.
However, the HKG discarded its initial plan and the procurement programme was delayed. In January 1989 HKG indicated that the Finance Committee had approved funds for the HKGFSD expansion programme and advised that firm orders for 8 helicopters would be placed. The HKG forecast that 3 should arrive in 1989/90 to replace the present Dauphins, with 3 further aircraft arriving in 1990 and one further helicopter in both 1991 and 1992. The HKG have advised that, by 1992, the HKGFSD will be able to provide all support necessary for the police; they have also stated that options for 4 further machines will be taken out - to be exercised by 1992 should more helicopter support prove necessary. It will take time before these assets become operational and it should also be recognised that some of the Garrison's tasks may not be achieveable by the HKGFSD helicopter unit, which is primarily a S&R organisation at this time. Thus the extent to which the HKGFSD might provide effective helicopter support to the Garrison cannot yet be quantified.
26.
Wessex Force Level
-
Planning. The planned reduction of the Wessex force with support from 2 HKGFSD Dauphin helicopters available was limited in order to satisfy an operational requirement to mount a "simultaneous half company helilift". This requires a minimum of 6 Wessex (or similar) helicopters to achieve. On initial examination, it
COS53.4-15
16 LOCSEN UK EYES A
SECRET
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.